The IKEA Trotten and the Skarsta desks are both affordable sit/stand options, but they differ in size, features, and price. The Skarsta offers a larger work surface and programmable memory presets for a slightly higher cost, while the Trotten is more compact and budget-friendly, making it ideal for smaller spaces.
Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you choose the right sit/stand desk from IKEA for your home office.
IKEA Skarsta Desk
The Skarsta is a minimalist sit/stand desk that delivers practical ergonomic features at an accessible price. Its electric height adjustment in a clean, modern frame makes it a popular choice for home offices that need a blend of function and simple style without a hefty investment.
- What it is: An electric height-adjustable desk designed for ergonomic home office setups.
- Key features: Electric motor for smooth height changes, programmable memory function for saving preferred heights, simple up/down control panel, wide work surface.
- Price: Around $229
- Dimensions: 47 1/4" wide x 23 5/8" deep, with a height range of 27 1/2" to 45 1/4".
- Materials/Construction: A durable laminate tabletop on a sturdy steel frame, designed for stability and daily use.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. It easily blends into contemporary or Scandinavian decor.
- Pros: Generous work surface for dual monitors, programmable memory presets are very convenient, sturdy build for the price, smooth and quiet motor.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than the Trotten, larger footprint may not suit very tight spaces.
This desk is perfect for home office users who need a spacious and functional sit/stand desk with the convenience of saved height settings.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/skarsta-desk-70127341/
IKEA Trotten Desk
The Trotten is IKEA's answer to the need for an ergonomic desk in a compact package. Designed specifically for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or apartments, this budget-friendly sit/stand desk provides essential functionality without taking up valuable floor space.
- What it is: A compact electric height-adjustable desk designed for small or multi-use spaces.
- Key features: Electric height adjustment with a simple control panel, space-saving design, straightforward assembly.
- Price: Around $199
- Dimensions: 43 1/4" wide x 23 1/2" deep, with a height adjustment from 28" to 45 1/4".
- Materials/Construction: A laminate top on a strong yet lightweight steel frame.
- Style: Simple and functional, with a utilitarian aesthetic that fits into almost any setting without fuss.
- Pros: Very affordable, compact footprint is perfect for tight quarters, easy to assemble, provides core sit/stand functionality for less money.
- Cons: Smaller work surface may feel cramped, lacks programmable memory presets, slightly lighter build may feel less substantial than the Skarsta.
The Trotten is an excellent pick for students, apartment dwellers, or anyone needing a basic sit/stand desk on a strict budget and space constraint.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/trotten-desk-80460141/
Skarsta vs. Trotten Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is the work surface. The Skarsta measures 47 1/4" wide, giving you about four extra inches of width compared to the 43 1/4" Trotten. While this sounds small, it's the difference between comfortably fitting two monitors with some workspace to spare versus a tighter squeeze.
The Trotten’s compact size is its main selling point, allowing it to fit into small nooks, corners, or bedrooms where a standard desk won’t work. The Skarsta is still compact by office desk standards but is better suited for a dedicated home office area.
Features & Functionality
Functionally, the biggest separating feature is the Skarsta’s programmable memory presets. This allows you to save your ideal sitting and standing heights and switch between them with a single button press. The Trotten has a simpler up/down button control, meaning you have to manually hold the button to adjust it to the right height each time.
While both desks serve the primary function of height adjustment, the Skarsta’s added convenience makes it more practical for those who frequently switch positions throughout the day.
Materials & Construction
Both desks use particleboard tabletops with a durable laminate finish and steel legs, which is standard for IKEA furniture. The construction quality is reliable for typical home use on both models. However, the Skarsta’s slightly larger frame and wider stance can make it feel a touch more stable, especially when raised to standing height.
Price & Value
With the Trotten coming in around $199 and the Skarsta around $229, the price difference is minimal but specific. The Trotten offers incredible value for anyone who just needs basic electric sit/stand capability in a small footprint. If budget is the absolute priority, the Trotten wins.
The Skarsta’s roughly $30 extra cost buys you a larger work area and memory presets. For many, that small price jump is well worth the added convenience and space, giving it strong value for a more robust home office setup.
Design & Aesthetics
Both desks share IKEA’s signature minimalist, Scandinavian aesthetic. They are simple, clean, and functional, designed to blend in rather than stand out. Neither has decorative frills like built-in drawers or elaborate finishes. The choice here comes down to which size and proportions better suit your room, as their visual style is nearly identical.
Who Each One Works Best For
The ideal desk for you comes down to your space and workflow. The Skarsta is geared toward users with a dedicated home office space who multitask or use multiple monitors and will appreciate the convenience of memory settings. It’s for someone who wants the full benefits of a modern sit/stand desk without a premium price tag.
The Trotten is specifically for those where every inch of space matters. It's the perfect solution for a student in a dorm, an apartment dweller carving out a workspace in a living room, or someone on a tight budget who wants to improve their remote-work ergonomics.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both desks are great buys for different situations, delivering on IKEA's promise of affordability and function.
Choose the Skarsta if:
- You use two monitors or need extra space for notebooks and accessories.
- You want the convenience of programmable memory height settings.
- You have a dedicated home office area and a bit more room to spare.
- You can comfortably spend an extra $30 for a more feature-rich experience.
Choose the Trotten if:
- You are working with very limited space, like in a small apartment or dorm.
- Your budget is tight and you want the most affordable electric option.
- Your setup is simple (e.g., just a laptop or single monitor).
- You don't mind manually adjusting the height each time you switch positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the IKEA Trotten and Skarsta?
The two main differences are size and features. The Skarsta has a wider desktop (47 1/4") and programmable memory settings for height, while the Trotten is more compact (43 1/4") and has simple up/down controls without memory presets.
Which IKEA desk is better for a small apartment?
The Trotten is specifically designed for smaller spaces. Its narrower width makes it much more suitable for studio apartments, dorm rooms, or fitting into the corner of a living room.
Can the Skarsta desk hold two monitors?
Yes, the Skarsta's 47-inch width provides ample room for a typical dual-monitor setup, along with space for a keyboard and mouse.
Do these desks wobble when at standing height?
Like most two-legged sit/stand desks in this price range, both may exhibit a slight wobble when extended to their maximum height, especially if on thick carpet. However, for everyday typing and desk work, they are generally stable enough for most users.
Is the Skarsta worth the extra money over the Trotten?
For most people building a long-term home office, yes. The additional $30 for a larger work surface and the huge convenience of memory presets is often a worthwhile investment that improves your daily workflow.
Is the electric motor loud on these desks?
No, the motors on both desks are designed to be relatively quiet, producing a low hum during adjustment that is not disruptive in a typical home or office environment.
How difficult are the Trotten and Skarsta to assemble?
Assembly is typical for IKEA flat-pack furniture. The instructions are visual and straightforward. While one person can assemble them, having a second person to help flip the desk over after assembly is highly recommended as they are heavy.
What is the weight capacity of these desks?
Both desks typically have a weight capacity of around 154 lbs (70 kg), which is more than enough to support multiple monitors, a computer, and other desk accessories. Always check the product page on IKEA's website for the most current specifications.
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